Keeping Relative References Clear
Several relative clauses can describe the same noun or form a chain in which one contains the noun described by another. Agreement and case help separate these relationships.
How It Works
Start at each relative word and identify a matching noun by meaning, gender and number. Then assign the relative pronoun’s case from its role within its own clause. Its case need not match the antecedent’s case outside that clause.
Parallel relatives can describe one referent: stan koji smo razgledali i koji nam se svidio. A nested relative instead modifies a noun inside another relative. Reading both as parallel can attach information to the wrong person.
When two possible antecedents have the same gender and number, morphology alone cannot resolve the reference. Repeat a noun, split the sentence or name the person. Commas can mark supplementary information, but cannot repair every ambiguous attachment.
Examples (3)
- Čitam knjigu koju mi je preporučila kolegica koja živi u Splitu.
I am reading the book recommended by a colleague who lives in Split.
- To je stan koji smo razgledali i koji nam se svidio.
That is the flat we viewed and liked.
- Razgovarala sam s liječnicom koja liječi dijete koje je jučer stiglo.
I spoke to the doctor who is treating the child who arrived yesterday.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Track agreement and the pronoun’s role within one relative clause before separating several nested or parallel relatives.
Related Patterns
- Preposition + kojiRelative Pronouns with Prepositions
Case belongs to the relative pronoun’s role inside its clause.
Level 4 - Identifying or Adding Information
Punctuation distinguishes identifying and supplementary information.
Level 6 - svoj and Clause SubjectsSvoj Across Clause Boundaries
Possessive references also require a clear antecedent.
Level 6
Practice Keeping Relative References Clear in Bubblegum
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